Elizabeth: November 1576 | British History Online

Pages 458-459

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 11, 1575-1577. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1880.

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November 1576



Nov. 26.	1098. Don John of Austria to Jeronimo Rodas.
	Has received his letter of the 21st, and thanks him for his advertisements touching his personal safety and the King's service. Also is informed of the cessation of arms in Antwerp according to his orders. It will be well that the King's intention to have all these matters settled with gentleness should be known. This, however, is not to prevent them from defending themselves if attacked, or from being carefully on their guard as long as the States keep in arms. Touching the trouble that the officers have with the soldiers, he must do all he can to keep them quiet till the arrival of money from Spain, which he expects shortly, and let them know his desire to satisfy all of them, and also give what orders in his name that he may consider advisable for this purpose. It will also be for the King's service that Rodas should remain in chief command there until he receives further orders from him. It would be well that the States should recognise and accept the gracious offers of his Majesty, and he is sorry to hear that the levies at Maestricht are still being carried on, on their account to the danger of the peace and tranquillity of the country. Expects to have their answer by M. de Ruissinghen in the course of a day or two, and most sincerely trusts for the affection which he bears them that they will accept the King's gracious offers. However, they must provide for matters in case of refusal, and therefore he desires to know the strength of the Spanish soldiers, both for garrison and field duty, and how they are furnished with provisions and munitions; also whether it will be advisable for him to go to Maestricht, and what force he should take with him, or whether it will be better for him to stay where he is, so as not to arouse suspicion. There are 6,000 French cavalry near this town, with whom it will be well to enter into negotiations to prevent their taking service under the Prince of Orange in case these negotiations should be broken off by the States. Francisco de Verdugo has written that though he has kept his people in their obedience to the King up to the present time, yet they are in despair for want of pay, and he fears that some inconvenience may happen. Desires him to find means to induce them to wait for the arrival of money from Spain.—Luxembourg, 26 Nov. 1576.
	Copy. Endd. Span. Enclosure. Pp. 2¾.
	1099. French translation. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 2¾.
Nov. 30.	1100. Reply of the States General to M. le Provost Foucque.
	They have never given charge to any of their deputies to offer Don John the town of Namur with a guard of Germans or others. Still less that the citizens should swear fealty to him, as they are resolved not to recognise him as their governor, except he withdraws the Spaniards and their adherents; also acknowledges the pacification lately concluded with the Prince of Orange, and the States of Holland and Zealand agree to all the States have done up to the present, and also to a general assembly, as in the time of Charles V., and promise to observe and maintain all their ancient privileges. If his Highness will consent to this, they promise to receive him with all affection and obedience, and he will have the honour of having, without effusion of blood, restored this country to its former repose and prosperity, under the obedience of their natural prince, with the maintenance of the Roman Catholic religion. Beg that the Prince will send his answer within the time limited.
	Enclosure. Fr. Pp. 1¼.